With most of us able and wanting to head up Friday, B2 & Cheryl, Sam & Kathy, David & Chantal headed up during the afternoon, whilst the rest of us apart from John & Bronny, came up Friday night. John & Bronny followed up Saturday morning.
We had a slow start to the day Saturday, wanting to wait for John to get into camp, and everyone to get up and have breakfast, turned into staying for lunch and heading out about 1pm for a short afternoon drive. We headed west out of camp, to shortly head north into the top section of the park, a couple of brief stops for those to get their stuff together in their cars!!
We basically did a big loop of the northern section of the park, with mostly easier, fast flowing tracks. We started to head back to camp, to find a harder track that Megan and I did when we here a few weeks ago for our reccie. We came down the chicken track to turn around and have a crack at going up Old Tiger Track. I went first with no problems, followed by Jason, Darren and last but not least Rick. With smaller tyres and less clearance Rick needed to choose his line a little better but drove the hill unassisted. We all turned around and drove back down the steep rocky hill, and headed back to camp.
Once back at camp we headed out for the firewood run. When Darren’s saw got blunt enough to start a fire whilst trying to cut wood, we decided we had enough wood and went back to camp. It was lucky we had a good pile of wood, as it appeared most of the camp was in swing with each other and having camp oven roast of some sort for dinner. Kathy was in charge of dessert and had some damper to share.
Michelle had brought a small whip with her for the weekend, which turned into a bit of entertainment, most people having a crack at it, after a few attempts most people worked out how to do it with a few welts as well! Meckenzie got the hang of it pretty quick and was doing really well.
Sunday morning was Bacon & Eggs as usual for most. Leaving camp about 10:30am for a Sunday drive, we checked out the north eastern side of the park, stopping at the lookout for lunch. From here we back tracked a little south to get into the eastern side of the park and headed towards the other main campsite in the area. We choose to go down Old Bluff Track which turned into a nice technical downhill track. Mixed with years of use, natural erosion and big rocks, it was a slow descent with good wheel placement. We then headed through Frasers Trailer Bike visitors area, to see people camped in the worst dust bowl of an area. I don’t understand how they can do it!
A little further on we stopped at Waterfall Picnic area for a drink and snack. Heading back to camp from here we went up Frasers Track, which once again had a few little rocky uphill outcrops which made sure you were concentrating. Once at camp we all sat around getting into the nibbles and relaxing throughout the rest of the day.
Monday, Sam and Kathy were first to be packed and ready to be off back to Melbourne. We all started to pack up and left by around 11am, leaving B2 & Cheryl, David & Chantal behind to enjoy the slower pace with nothing to do. We headed into Avoca were we stopped for lunch with a “Pyrenees’ Pie” before heading for home.
Thanks to those that came away, even if you enjoyed the peace of the campsite all weekend, it was nice to see you away.
By Troy Shipper